What is my skin type?

We all have unique skin, so its important to take the time in learning our skin's specific needs. our skin may also change over time with age, hormones, the environmental factors such as the weather and pollution. These factors all play important roles in how our skin feels throughout the day. The 4 most common types of skin are Dry, Normal, Oily, & Combination Skin. One way to identify our skin type is by the size of the pores on the T-Zone (Forehead, Nose, Chin). 

Dry Skin, also known as alipidic skin, lacks an important oil called Sebum. Your pores are usually small and the texture of your skin is slightly rough and feels tight. Pores are mostly invisible and oil production is minimal. If your skin feels itchy especially after cleansing and washing, then you know you have dry skin.   

Dry Skin is also more sensitive, the acid mantle (the barrier created by natural oil production of the skin) is not healthy because it lacks the lipids it needs. Occlusive products are thick and lay on top of the skin to reduce transepidermal water loss, also known as TEWL. These products help hold on to moisture, which combats dryness.

Normal Skin, has a great balance of oil and water that may fluctuate and sometimes be a little dry or a little oily. Your pores are somewhat visible on the center of the T-Zone, that shrink and seem invisible towards the cheeks and outside of your face.

The best treatment for normal skin, is regular maintenance and preventative care. 

Oily Skin, also known as lipidic skin (acidic skin), characterized by excess sebum production. Your pores are visibly larger over most of your face, which is prone to excess oil and clogged pores. This leads to fast dead cell build up which causes pimples and acne. Your skin usually requires more cleansing and exfoliating, and needs hydration (water) and toning (balancing your skins pH).

Proper treatment of oily skin is exfoliation and a water-based hydrator to keep oily skin clean and balanced. 

Combination Skin, can be both oily and dry or oily and normal. The T-Zone of the face is usually oily while the cheeks and edges of the face feel dry or dehydrated. A build up of dead skin cells can for around the edges of the face.

Combination skin need to be balanced and requires more care than normal skin.  

May be caused by both internal and external factors and are unique to each individual.

Dehydrated Skin, is a skin condition, not type, that lacks water. All skin types can be dehydrated, skin will look thin or flaky and can feel tight, dry and tends to absorb products quickly.

Dehydrated Skin can be caused by internal and external factors such as medication, coffee, alcohol, sun, over exfoliation, and harsh products. Drinking plenty of water, hydrating the skin with moisturizers and humectants can help minimize the negative effects of dryness and dehydration.

Sensitive Skin, though a condition, is also genetically predispose. It's characterized by fragile, thin skin and redness. it is easily irritated by products and by exposure to heat or sun. Telangiectasia, or couperose skin are noticeable on sensitive skin.

Rosacea and vascular conditions are more common, sometimes these conditions may be a protective visible reaction to let us know something is irritating our skin.
Sensitive skin can be difficult to treat because of its low tolerance to products and simulation. Your skin needs to be treated gently with non-irritating, calming products. Always avoid excessive rubbing, heat, and exfoliation.

Telangiectasia, also called couperose skin. characterized by redness, distended capillaries from weakening of the capillary walls.

Rosaceae, a vascular disorder which causes chronic redness. Papules (a small, raised, solid pimple or swelling) and pustules (a small blister or pimple on the skin containing pus.) may be present.

Rosaceae is more commonly found another skin condition; sensitive skin, but not contained to a certain skin type.